Parsons nearing Warren wrestling win mark

January 31, 2013

VINCENT - Cory Parsons' storied wrestling career at Warren High is currently in a countdown to school history.

When the Warrior standout steps on the mat to compete in the 113-pound weight class at the John Deno Classic Wrestling Invitational at Athens High in The Plains at 10 a.m. Saturday, the magic number is 7.

That's how many grappling wins that Parsons will need during the remainder of the season to eclipse former Warren great Heath Eddleblute's school record of 151. Eddleblute, who was guided by legendary Warren wrestling coach Marty Santini, finished with a 151-9 mark and an individual state title.

Parsons' career record on the wrestling mat is 145-30.

"Cory can go as far as he wants to go," said first-year Warren head wrestling coach Mike Pahl. "He knows what it's all about."

With the Southeastern Ohio Athletic League (SEOAL) championships, sectional and district tournaments, and perhaps even state also on the slate, Parsons - if he stays healthy - should have ample opportunities to establish the standard.

"I'm hoping to get it in the second match at the league meet," Parsons said.

Last Saturday at the Miami Trace McDonald's Invitational in Washington Court House, Parsons was the 113-pound runner-up with a 4-1 record.

Needing one mat-slapper to break the school's career fall mark of 91 (also held by Eddleblutte), he got that in his first bout when he pinned Greenfield McClain's Jamaine Barnhart in 24 seconds.

Parsons then added to his record in Round 2 when he earned a fall against Wyoming's Shane Stalder in a time of 2 minutes and 27 seconds.

In Round 3, he decisioned Bethel-Tate's Travis Bee, 6-2.

Parsons' fourth victory of the day was a dominating 10-2 major decision against Westfall's Derek Thomas.

With that semifinal win, Parsons advanced and was pitted against Miami Trace's Trent Duffy in the championship bout. There, he dropped a hard-fought 8-3 decision.

"I'd never wrestled him before, and he was a tough kid," Parsons said. "Hopefully, I'll get to meet him again in district."

Going into John Deno Classic action, Parsons owns a 28-4 overall record. He is the defending Deno champion.

Parsons' practice partner is sophomore Levi Congleton, who is having an outstanding season himself with a 33-1 record. At the Miami Trace event, Congleton was the 106-pound champion.

"Cory and Levi make each other better," Pahl said. "That's for sure."

Parsons is a three-time league champ, a three-time district placer, and a two-time state qualifier. He's the only Warren wrestler to surpass 100 career wins while a junior.

His name is already on the Wall of Fame twice with other Warrior standouts in the Warren wrestling room.

"I'm just really pleased with how things have turned out in my career," Parsons said.

Parsons is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Parsons of Marietta. He has a younger brother Casey, who is in eighth grade and also wrestles.